WHY DO YOU PLAY GOLF?
Billy is a past champion at his own sport. Winning the national title six times,
with numerous other titles to boot. But aren’t motor bikes very different from golf
clubs?
“I play golf to enjoy it and its relaxing, a terrific change from the hurly burly
of my track racing in the past”, says Billy. Having had first hand experience of
Billy and his golf game, this is a mystifying statement. In light of, the frustration
he shows, anger he vents, the impatient endless questions about his swing he asks,
temper he displays, his continual drive to improve and the disappointment he can’t
hide when falling short of his goals, whilst playing this “relaxing” game. Billy’s
mental state is in question. Oh he’s completely sane, yet when I asked him why he
plays golf, the reply is “for leisure”. Really!
You see, Billy has not admitted to himself why he plays golf.
Let’s take Henry. Henry, who plays around seven or eight games a year, is faced
with a hundred yard shot over a gorge. Almost predictably the ball finishes in said
gorge. Henry releases his displeasure and flings his club away in anger. One of his
playing partners approaches him. Looks at him dolefully and says (I must warn you
that generally in such cases it is better to keep quiet, golfers don’t appreciate
being confronted with what they already know) “Henry, to see you, you’d think you
were able to play this game”. Henry stares back then breaks into a smile and duly
into laughter. He had just discovered why he plays golf.
The first question that has to be asked of a golfer is why do you play golf? This
appears, to many, a somewhat trite inquiry. The answer seems plain. Yet there is
a stream of responses to this question. It may seem that as a leisure pursuit or
pastime are obvious replies, they may be so, but they are not necessarily the right
ones. How about some of these reasons. The social aspect, as a medical encouragement
of a healthy yet not overly strenuous pursuit, to get out of the house, the challenge,
the competition, to promote business the exercise, to relax, enjoyment, pastime,
hobby, an infrequent diversion, to facilitate another, as a change from what you
normally participate in and there will be more.
I have seen people play golf as if their lives depended on it, it was a good job
it didn’t. I have looked on when golfers have fallen out through some indecipherable
rule disagreement. Come across people who thought they were able to hit a thirty-yard
left to right fade as required even though they only played half a dozen times a
year. On all occasions they were left disappointed. So what is the key?
Honestly admit, or if you genuinely don’t know, ask someone who does, the reason
why you play golf. Billy reckoned on enjoyment and relaxation, nothing could have
been further from the truth. He played golf as he partook of his previous sporting
venture, as a challenge and to become as good as he possibly could at it. It was
only on the realisation of this did Billy make any progress. Strangely he found himself,
becoming even tempered, not getting negatively angry but reacting positively to setbacks,
more patient and he stopped repeatedly asking the same questions, instead finding
answers. His entire mental approach took on an air of realism. It’s okay to play
golf in a competitive vein! To see every round and shot as a challenge, if that’s
how you feel about it, fine! Then adopt this into your game; don’t pretend you are
playing for some other reason.
Henry discovered that “losing it” did not enhance golf for him. Instead he adopted
that day when confronted so bravely, the attitude of someone who played golf as an
infrequent diversion. His expectation level dropped and his golf improved. Going
round in 96 was now an acceptable score, whereas taking 95 previously would have
been regarded as unsatisfactory.
What of you then? Take ten minutes and dwell on your purpose in playing this weird
and wonderful game. When you know your reason, then make that your attitude during
the round. You will find that your tolerance level shall change to accommodate the
new found approach. If you are a social player then adopt a light-hearted demeanour. If
for healthy exercise, then don’t count your score and should someone else be doing
so, don’t ask them what it is. Should you feel coerced into participating on business
grounds don’t take things to seriously, in case you beat the business acquaintance
that you are hoping to conclude a deal with. If you are there to assist another who
wants to play, then be a companion not an opponent. Are you a competitor? Then compete,
don’t be embarrassed to try and improve. Should golf to you be a leisure pursuit
then proceed leisurely and don’t get your pulse racing unnecessarily.
We golfers fail when our minds are tangled up. One minute we are out for a gentle
afternoon’s friendly non-competitive golf game, then abruptly it turns into a full-scale
war. There is a clash of clear-minded purpose. A lose-lose predicament.
Wait a second you might say. This is all a bit negative. I may want to play golf
as an enjoyable pastime; even then I’d like to play as best as possible. Going by
your philosophy I can’t strive to get any better, so I need to accept the level I’m
at and that be the end of it! No, no. This is the whole point. By accepting in
your mind, attitude, outlook, use whatever term you will, your purpose in playing
golf, then you shall play better. Now there is no pulling in opposite directions
going on within. his frees your entire mind and enables you to express freedom in
your play and, ultimately, greater enjoyment.
In essence, we need to get a sense of reality. Having accomplished that then you’ll
get a greater fulfilment from your golf game. When the topic comes around of the
mental side of the game you shall be able to turn around, why do you play golf? To,
why you do play golf.
Taking the word of God to the world of golf
By Ken Revie
PGA Professional & Teaching Pro at
Ballymena Golf Club
Golf Instruction Series- “Why do I play Golf?”
January 2010
